(DON THOMPSON / iNFOnews.ca)

OPINION

Donald Trump suffers from some kind of mental illness…an instability of some sort. Otherwise, his words and actions are inexplicable.

Most people - including those in the news media - have danced around this possibility long enough. There is a mountain of evidence that something is seriously wrong with him…and his mental health needs to be a topic for discussion for all of us.

Why? Because he is the president of the United States…the leader of the most powerful nation in the world. And all of us - both Americans and those beyond U.S. borders - are at risk. No other president of the United States in 243 years has acted more recklessly…told more lies…or contradicted himself more often.

You only have to reflect on what he has said or done in the past week to conclude that something is dreadfully wrong in the man’s mind. You do not have to be a psychiatrist to make this assessment. Honestly, if you had a relative who said or did things Trump says and does almost every day you’d be beyond worried and you’d ask, “What can be done?”

Let’s consider the evidence. Last week, Trump wanted to buy Greenland. Now, just for the record, since 1979, Greenland and its nearly 58,000 mostly Danish inhabitants are a self-ruled territory…with Denmark taking care of defence and foreign policy only.

The Danes - all into the tune of about US $700 Million annually to support Greenland’s every need - can easily afford it and aren’t looking for a buyer. Greenland is the world’s biggest island…and it’s rich in natural resources, including some of the world’s largest iron-ore and zinc reserves. So, why sell?

Greenland also has plenty of strategic value for the free world when it comes to national security. Thule Air Base is America’s northern-most early-warning missile defence site, as well as a prime space surveillance site and a deep water port. Of course, Denmark is a longtime ally and member of NATO, as is the U.S.

That’s why it makes no sense…none whatsoever…that Trump-like the transactional real estate fraud he is - would try to buy Greenland...or any other territory or nation. Yes, President Thomas Jefferson made the Louisiana Purchase from the French…and Secretary William Seward bought Alaska. But those were in 1803 and 1867, respectively.

This is the 21st century…not the 19th century. Colonization isn’t really a thing anymore. Nation’s aren’t buying other nations…except in the extremely narrow, somewhat perverse and unstable mind of Donald Trump.

Trump probably stole this lame-brain idea from someone…Stephen Miller or another sycophant that serves him, or one of his “advisors” from Fox & Friends. Perhaps someone was just playing him…he’s easy game. You know, plant a crazy idea with an egotistical, narcissistic fool over dinner at Mar-a-Lago…then sit back and laugh a few weeks later when the worms invade his brain and he actually announces his brain fart to The Wall Street Journal.

Of course, Trump being Trump…he doubled…then tripled down. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said what should have ended the discussion: “Greenland is not for sale,”  She added that the idea was “absurd.”

Trump, predictably, responded anyway…with an insult….calling her “nasty.” She, of course, is a woman…and The Donald just doesn’t like women he can’t grab.

“You don’t talk to the United States that way,” Trump threatened, “At least not under me.”

President Trump was supposed to visit Denmark on Sept. 2 for two days. The visit included an official formal reception with Queen Margrethe II. But Trump would have none of it…especially from a “nasty” woman. He cancelled the trip.

All of this took place the same week he insulted millions of Jews by saying they had dual loyalties to America and Israel…a long-standing anti-Semitic trope. He also - apparently to assuage his Religious Right supporters - claimed he somehow figured prominently in the Second Coming.

Sorry, Trump supporters, but this man’s fevered brain is going to end in one or more events that could well end American democracy and the world as we know it. It’s long past time we look the other way. If this was uncle George or aunt Bessie, you could sure as hell count on them being put in a nearby home.

It’s going to get crazier…just you wait. Why? Because the underpinnings of a good, solid economy that has been going for more than a decade are showing signs of giving way. And that spells trouble for Trump…whose already unhinged comments and tweets should make a sane person wonder, “What’s next?”

Meanwhile, his supporters defend him to the point of incredulity. You know, when uncle George or aunt Bessie bites the family dog because “he was giving me a dirty look”…it’s time to act. Trump already thinks too many people are giving him dirty looks. Wonder who he’ll bite?

— Don Thompson, an American awaiting Canadian citizenship, lives in Vernon and in Florida. In a career that spans more than 40 years, Don has been a working journalist, a speechwriter and the CEO of an advertising and public relations firm. A passionate and compassionate man, he loves the written word as much as fine dinners with great wines. His essays are a blend of news reporting and opinion.

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